Adjustment Costs, Irreversibility and Investment Patterns in African Manufacturing

Adjustment Costs, Irreversibility and Investment Patterns in African Manufacturing PDF

Author: Mr.Arne Bigsten

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 1999-07-01

Total Pages: 54

ISBN-13: 1451852258

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This paper examines dynamic patterns of investment in Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Zambia and Zimbabwe, assessing the consistency of those patterns with different adjustment cost structures. Using survey data on manufactured firms, we document the importance of zero investment episodes and lumpy investment. The proportion of firms experiencing large investment spikes is significant in explaining aggregate manufacturing investment. Taken together, evidence from descriptive statistics, average investment regressions modeling the response to capital imbalance, and transition data analysis indicate that irreversibility is an important factor considered by firms when making investment plans. The picture is not unanimous however, and some explanations for the mixed results are proposed.

Adjustment Costs, Irreversibility and Investment Patterns in African Manufacturing

Adjustment Costs, Irreversibility and Investment Patterns in African Manufacturing PDF

Author: Stefan Dercon

Publisher:

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 53

ISBN-13:

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This paper examines dynamic patterns of investment in Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Zambia and Zimbabwe, assessing the consistency of those patterns with different adjustment cost structures. Using survey data on manufactured firms, we document the importance of zero investment episodes and lumpy investment. The proportion of firms experiencing large investment spikes is significant in explaining aggregate manufacturing investment. Taken together, evidence from descriptive statistics, average investment regressions modeling the response to capital imbalance, and transition data analysis indicate that irreversibility is an important factor considered by firms when making investment plans. The picture is not unanimous however, and some explanations for the mixed results are proposed.

Research Activities of the IMF, January 1991-December 1999

Research Activities of the IMF, January 1991-December 1999 PDF

Author: International Monetary Fund

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2000-01-01

Total Pages: 144

ISBN-13: 9781557759801

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Research activity in the IMF emphasizes the links between the organization's policy and operational concerns. The main objectives of research is IMF staff understanding of policy and operational issues relevant to the institution, and to improve the analytical quality of the work prepared for management and the Executive Board and the advice provided to member countries. The scope of research in the IMF is defined by the purposes and functions of the institution. In order to foster innovation and ensure quality control, the IMF makes much of its research available outside the institution and encourages staff to interact with academia and other research organizations through conferences, seminars, and occasional joint research projects. The visiting scholar’s program has also enhanced the quality of research done in the IMF. This program brings in leading members of the economics profession from around the world to assist in the preparation of papers for the Executive Board and to conduct research on IMF-related issues.

IMF Staff Papers, Volume 53, No. 3

IMF Staff Papers, Volume 53, No. 3 PDF

Author: International Monetary Fund. Research Dept.

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2006-12-15

Total Pages: 183

ISBN-13: 1589065816

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This is the final issue for 2006 (Volume 53), and contains another paper in the occasional Special Data Section that seeks to measure financial development in the Middle East and North Africa by utilizing a new database. The issue also contains a comment from Jacques J. Polak on parity reversion in real exchange rates.